Athletic Amenorrhea

Description

Amenorrhea means “without menses,” and it can be classified as primary or secondary. Primary amenorrhea is not having any menstrual periods by the age of 16. Secondary amenorrhea is the absence of three or more periods in a woman who has had regular menstrual periods. Athletic amenorrhea can be primary or secondary and is often associated with strenuous exercise. It is more common in women who participate in sports that emphasize a lean figure or in endurance sports. Athletic amenorrhea is often associated with eating disorders and osteoporosis (weakening of bone). These three conditions are often referred to as the female triad. The cause of amenorrhea is thought to be a relative reduction in the levels of hormones that normally regulate menstruation. Among these hormones, estrogen is important for healthy bones.

Factors that increase risk

• Certain sports—such as figure skating, gymnastics, and long-distance running—particularly when low body weight appears to be important for esthetics or performance

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